This summer, Washington County 4-H made history with its most successful 4-H Camp experience to date. A total of 77 campers and leaders attended Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp—shattering the previous record of 63 and marking an inspiring milestone in youth engagement for the county.

This record attendance was made possible through months of planning, enthusiastic community support, and intentional efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all youth. One of the most impactful components was the expansion of the Teen Counselor Program, which allowed older 4-H members to serve as mentors and role models for younger campers. This program not only builds leadership skills, but also strengthens the 4-H community by fostering meaningful, peer-led connections.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and fundraising efforts, over $5,000 was raised to provide partial scholarships to every camper. In addition, two teen counselors received full scholarships, allowing at-risk youth to participate in a transformative leadership opportunity they might not have otherwise had.

One teen counselor shared, “Each year, I’m thankful for 4-H Camp because it’s a place I always know I’m safe and wanted.” This powerful sentiment captures the heart of what 4-H Camp is all about—creating a supportive, welcoming environment where every child can thrive.

As Washington County 4-H continues to grow, the success of this year’s camp is a clear reminder of the impact that committed volunteers, generous donors, and strong youth programming can make in the lives of young people.